Went to rookie camp today, and watched a lot of veterans instead. Virtually the entire Avalanche veteran roster is practicing daily out at South Suburban. Show up with a pen and paper and you can easily get an autograph, folks.

Joe Sakic and Co. looked like they had a good time at the other side of the building, while the rookies skated in front of management types. The goal of the day was not scored by No. 19, though; it was by Brian Willsie, whose rooftop backhander from the left side beat Andrew Raycroft and elicited howls for about 30 seconds from all participants – all except Raycroft, who angrily transported the puck back out of the net.

I talked for a while to 2006 first-round pick Chris Stewart, for a story which should run Wed., but maybe Thurs. instead, and he said he is hungry to make up for last year’s early dismissal from Avs camp. This is a kid who is still only 20 years old, who looks in great shape and seems to have a good attitude. He kinda-sorta admitted that he might not have worked hard enough at camp last year, and wants to be the surprise story of camp this time – in a good way.

I also hung out with Brian Engblom watching the boys skate, and we both marveled at how difficult the Western Conference figures to be this year. This could be, quite possibly, the toughest conference in NHL history, Engblom thinks. I agree.

There are potentially four great teams in the West -Detroit, San Jose, Chicago and, maybe, Anaheim. Then there are threereally, really good potential teams (Dallas, Calgary and Minnesota). Then, there are five other teams that probably will be at least good (your Avs, Edmonton, Vancouver, Nashville and Phoenix). That leaves Columbus, L.A. and St. Louis as your probable also-rans again, and none of them should be awful (although L.A. might come close).

It’s going to be a brutal, brutal conference, and I think the Avs will be very fortunate to make the playoffs. One thing that I think is in their favor as of Sept. 16 is the fact they’ll play more Eastern Conference opponents this year, one that is clearly inferior to the West. The Avs should be able to get a bunch of points they might normally have lost to that fourth game of the the year in Minnesota or Calgary, and it might make the difference in squeaking into the playoffs.

– – – – – – –

It was just a first impression, but Peter Budaj seemed in confident, hungry spirits in the short time spent with him. There will be a lot of pressure on him to perform, but it seemed like he’s ready for it and wants to atone for his mediocre showing last year.

– – – – – – – – –

In talking to some radio types of late, there is still a LOT of worry about the signal quality of the Avs’ new radio home – AM 1510. Unless you’re right in downtown Denver, the signal is poor at night. There is a lot of scrambling going on behind the scenes.

– – – – – – – – – –

Talking to some of my Swedish buds, there is growing optimism that Peter Forsberg will be able to play this season – and maybe sooner than the Christmas-at-the-earliest previous scenario.
As Foppa himself would say, though, “we’ll see.” But the people I’ve talked to say his foot is doing better than expected, and that he’s itching to continue his career.

Sorry… but you included Calgary as one of the really, really good teams?

Was that a typo? The Avs will finish above Calgary in the standings UNLESS Kipper plays Jesus, saving everything in sight. Even then, the cancer known as Todd Bertuzzi will doom them.

Marko

Sorry… but you included Calgary as one of the really, really good teams?

Was that a typo? The Avs will finish above Calgary in the standings UNLESS Kipper plays Jesus, saving everything in sight. Even then, the cancer known as Todd Bertuzzi will doom them.

soothsayer

If Peter makes it back to the Avs I would put them in the “really, really good” to “great” category. He’s that much of a difference maker! The Avs offense, defense, special teams, and youth would be a match for the “greats” and there’s nothing special about the goal tending for the “greats’ listed…just the coaching that makes the team solid in front of the goalie. So it will come down to coaching. T-Gra will need to elevate his game…if he does, and with Joe, Peter and Adam showing the rest of the team what it takes (1 captain and 2 former captains), this will be a tough team to win against.
By the way Peter, you are the hands down captain when Joe retires in a year (or two)! Just like I always thought it should be.

I love the AVS!

soothsayer

If Peter makes it back to the Avs I would put them in the “really, really good” to “great” category. He’s that much of a difference maker! The Avs offense, defense, special teams, and youth would be a match for the “greats” and there’s nothing special about the goal tending for the “greats’ listed…just the coaching that makes the team solid in front of the goalie. So it will come down to coaching. T-Gra will need to elevate his game…if he does, and with Joe, Peter and Adam showing the rest of the team what it takes (1 captain and 2 former captains), this will be a tough team to win against.
By the way Peter, you are the hands down captain when Joe retires in a year (or two)! Just like I always thought it should be.

I love the AVS!

James

I don’t think Chicago will be a great team for a few years; when Keither, Seabrook, Toews, Kane, etc. are a little older.

Let’s face it; they’re blowing 12 million on goalies (compare that to the Avs 1.5), they’re inexperienced, and have virually no scoring up front except for the top line (Kane, Toews, Sharp) and Mr. Glass (Havlat). Lang may be old, but they needed him.

Anyway, I hope Willsie suprises and does decent next season; he’s only 2 seasons removed from his 19 g, 41 pt performance with Washington. But I kinda doubt he scores even 19 points.

Also, a question; was Per Ledin there, and if so how did he look out there?

Keep up the good work, AD.

James

I don’t think Chicago will be a great team for a few years; when Keither, Seabrook, Toews, Kane, etc. are a little older.

Let’s face it; they’re blowing 12 million on goalies (compare that to the Avs 1.5), they’re inexperienced, and have virually no scoring up front except for the top line (Kane, Toews, Sharp) and Mr. Glass (Havlat). Lang may be old, but they needed him.

Anyway, I hope Willsie suprises and does decent next season; he’s only 2 seasons removed from his 19 g, 41 pt performance with Washington. But I kinda doubt he scores even 19 points.

Also, a question; was Per Ledin there, and if so how did he look out there?

Keep up the good work, AD.

Aaron

Hey Adrian, I have three questions for you?

1. How much will Peter be able to play this season?

2. What do your Swedish sources say about Per Ledin?

3. Yes Budaj looked good but did Raycroft look even remotely like he still “has it”?

I also got the opportunity to talk to Norm Jones and Mark Moser. They almost seemed like they were antsy.

Joe Sakic looks like he’s regained all that he lost last year, including the wry smile he wears when he’s playing at his best.

Thanks for the updates Adrian. I look forward to the season.

Aaron

Hey Adrian, I have three questions for you?

1. How much will Peter be able to play this season?

2. What do your Swedish sources say about Per Ledin?

3. Yes Budaj looked good but did Raycroft look even remotely like he still “has it”?

I also got the opportunity to talk to Norm Jones and Mark Moser. They almost seemed like they were antsy.

Joe Sakic looks like he’s regained all that he lost last year, including the wry smile he wears when he’s playing at his best.

Thanks for the updates Adrian. I look forward to the season.

Trisha

The offense and defense appear to be strong, maybe that will make goaltending less of an issue.

Trisha

The offense and defense appear to be strong, maybe that will make goaltending less of an issue.

Jacyln

I don’t mean to rehash the conversation from a few weeks ago about the Avs predicted finish but I do kind of question your placement of the teams. I have no idea why Chicago deserves to be in the “great” category. I totally understand they have a lot of young talent and a great addition with Campbell but I don’t think they belong in the “great” tier on potential alone. I also don’t see any reason why Minnesota and Calgary are any better than the Avs? What have they done to put themselves a notch above the Avs? I’m just not seeing how the Avs will be worse than last season, if they can remain healthy. Sure the competition will be still from all the Western Conference foes but they also all have to play each other, something has to give, they all can’t be awesome.

Jacyln

I don’t mean to rehash the conversation from a few weeks ago about the Avs predicted finish but I do kind of question your placement of the teams. I have no idea why Chicago deserves to be in the “great” category. I totally understand they have a lot of young talent and a great addition with Campbell but I don’t think they belong in the “great” tier on potential alone. I also don’t see any reason why Minnesota and Calgary are any better than the Avs? What have they done to put themselves a notch above the Avs? I’m just not seeing how the Avs will be worse than last season, if they can remain healthy. Sure the competition will be still from all the Western Conference foes but they also all have to play each other, something has to give, they all can’t be awesome.

Nick, Quebec

Minnesota and Calgary better ?
i don’t understand !
Calgary is one of the most overated team in the NHL !

we won’t have has much injuries as last year …….

Nick, Quebec

Minnesota and Calgary better ?
i don’t understand !
Calgary is one of the most overated team in the NHL !

we won’t have has much injuries as last year …….

Hustlin

I agree about Chicago, they aren’t that great, yet.

As far as Budaj, what atonement for what mediocre showing last year??? You mean the hard headed Q and management who were too afraid to swallow their pride and admit that Theo is a joke? The only reason Budaj hasnt been the starter the last 3 years is because of Theos contract.

Hustlin

I agree about Chicago, they aren’t that great, yet.

As far as Budaj, what atonement for what mediocre showing last year??? You mean the hard headed Q and management who were too afraid to swallow their pride and admit that Theo is a joke? The only reason Budaj hasnt been the starter the last 3 years is because of Theos contract.

Dario

I have to disagree with your assessment of Calgary. Calgary lost Tanguay, Huselius, Nolan and Yelle. They added Bertuzzi and Cammalleri. Cammalleri doesn’t replace Tanguay’s production and obviously doesn’t replace his playoff experience. There’s no way in hell Bertuzzi replaces Huselius, they lose speed, defense and offensive production. Do we even need to discuss the subtlties of Yelle and what he brings to a team?

Let us not forget the Mike Keenan factor. That guy is a cancer. Last year he not only shifted Tanguay off of Iginla’s line in to a defensive role (!!!) but he benched Sariach with a healthy scratch to end his 453 game ironman streak (giving it to Brunette). A HEALTHY SCRATCH!? I’m sure he endeared himself to the lockeroom with that move. Then he benched Kipper in the playoffs and plugged in Cujo (who has also left). Now he’s got to go back to Kipper and ask him to carry the team again. Keenan is a disaster in the making.

I would NOT consider Calgary a ‘really, really, good team’.

I’m not sure about Minny being a really, really good team either. They are basically the same team minus Demitra and with Brunnette. Will Bouchard have the same breakout season after he got his big contract? Will Gaborik explode in his contract year? I think the Avs and Minny will compete to take the NW but I like the Avs with a better PP and a healthy year over Minny.

As far as Forsberg is concerned, if he wants a multi-year deal on his return then don’t expect him back before December 1st due to the CBA rule on counting the contract’s extended salary towards the current year’s salary cap. If he signs after the 1st of December then he can sign a two year deal worth less this year and substancially more next year without next year’s salary counting against this year’s cap (ie the Brian Burke loophole).

Dario

I have to disagree with your assessment of Calgary. Calgary lost Tanguay, Huselius, Nolan and Yelle. They added Bertuzzi and Cammalleri. Cammalleri doesn’t replace Tanguay’s production and obviously doesn’t replace his playoff experience. There’s no way in hell Bertuzzi replaces Huselius, they lose speed, defense and offensive production. Do we even need to discuss the subtlties of Yelle and what he brings to a team?

Let us not forget the Mike Keenan factor. That guy is a cancer. Last year he not only shifted Tanguay off of Iginla’s line in to a defensive role (!!!) but he benched Sariach with a healthy scratch to end his 453 game ironman streak (giving it to Brunette). A HEALTHY SCRATCH!? I’m sure he endeared himself to the lockeroom with that move. Then he benched Kipper in the playoffs and plugged in Cujo (who has also left). Now he’s got to go back to Kipper and ask him to carry the team again. Keenan is a disaster in the making.

I would NOT consider Calgary a ‘really, really, good team’.

I’m not sure about Minny being a really, really good team either. They are basically the same team minus Demitra and with Brunnette. Will Bouchard have the same breakout season after he got his big contract? Will Gaborik explode in his contract year? I think the Avs and Minny will compete to take the NW but I like the Avs with a better PP and a healthy year over Minny.

As far as Forsberg is concerned, if he wants a multi-year deal on his return then don’t expect him back before December 1st due to the CBA rule on counting the contract’s extended salary towards the current year’s salary cap. If he signs after the 1st of December then he can sign a two year deal worth less this year and substancially more next year without next year’s salary counting against this year’s cap (ie the Brian Burke loophole).

Adrian

Ledin is an agitator with marginal offensive upside.
Why did I put Chicago as a potentially great team? I just think Toews and Kane will have great years, and the addition of Campbell and Huet makes them much better in their own end.
Don’t forget about Scotty Bowman’s added presence, too. That is huge.

Adrian

Ledin is an agitator with marginal offensive upside.
Why did I put Chicago as a potentially great team? I just think Toews and Kane will have great years, and the addition of Campbell and Huet makes them much better in their own end.
Don’t forget about Scotty Bowman’s added presence, too. That is huge.

Pat

Ledin’s numbers are underwhelming to say the least. He may be a good pk guy, but otherwise I really don’t see why we signed him. He’s a mediocre agitator in the Euro leagues.

Pat

Ledin’s numbers are underwhelming to say the least. He may be a good pk guy, but otherwise I really don’t see why we signed him. He’s a mediocre agitator in the Euro leagues.

Johnny B

I’m from Chicago and I have no illusions about Chicago being a great team. Don’t know what you’re smoking in the Mile High City but the Blackhawks are nowhere near being a “great” team. So then I guess you assume that they’ll at least be #4 in the conference, eh? With Detroit taking first place in the Central. I don’t see that at all.

Johnny B

I’m from Chicago and I have no illusions about Chicago being a great team. Don’t know what you’re smoking in the Mile High City but the Blackhawks are nowhere near being a “great” team. So then I guess you assume that they’ll at least be #4 in the conference, eh? With Detroit taking first place in the Central. I don’t see that at all.

scott

win one for joe!!! go avs.

scott

win one for joe!!! go avs.

Amy

Okay – so I read that whole thing – but the only thing I managed to pull from it was this: FOPPA!!!!!!!

Be still my little Avs-loving heart!!!

To have Foppa by Christmas would be great – even earlier – AMAZING!!

Foppa is magic – and we can have him minus foot problems (still injury prone, because that’s the way he plays – but no foot stabilization problems) I think I will just keel over, right there.

My prayers must be working :D

Okay, so there was my heart jump moment for the day, thanks Dater!

Amy

Okay – so I read that whole thing – but the only thing I managed to pull from it was this: FOPPA!!!!!!!

Be still my little Avs-loving heart!!!

To have Foppa by Christmas would be great – even earlier – AMAZING!!

Foppa is magic – and we can have him minus foot problems (still injury prone, because that’s the way he plays – but no foot stabilization problems) I think I will just keel over, right there.

My prayers must be working :D

Okay, so there was my heart jump moment for the day, thanks Dater!

Amy

Oh, and side note – Chicago is not a great team yet. I see for them a situation much like the Pens had in 2006-2007 (especially since they are going to have to unload some experience to get in under the cap). They will more than likely easily take the spot in the playoffs that had once been taken by the Predators, but I think they will not make it out of the first round of the playoffs – for the very same reason the PEguins got wiped in 5 games by Ottawa in 2005 – lack of experience.

As for Minnesota – I think you are giving them, and Lemaire’s system WAY too much credit – I think you will see that the top 3 team in the NW this year are Calgary, Edmonton and Colorado – and all will have a good chance of making the playoffs – I honestly expect all three teams to do just that – and to be battling to the end for the division title.

Amy

Oh, and side note – Chicago is not a great team yet. I see for them a situation much like the Pens had in 2006-2007 (especially since they are going to have to unload some experience to get in under the cap). They will more than likely easily take the spot in the playoffs that had once been taken by the Predators, but I think they will not make it out of the first round of the playoffs – for the very same reason the PEguins got wiped in 5 games by Ottawa in 2005 – lack of experience.

As for Minnesota – I think you are giving them, and Lemaire’s system WAY too much credit – I think you will see that the top 3 team in the NW this year are Calgary, Edmonton and Colorado – and all will have a good chance of making the playoffs – I honestly expect all three teams to do just that – and to be battling to the end for the division title.

Gameface

Adrian – correction: Joe says ‘I think we’re going to be a real good team’. In Joe Sakic lingo that translates to: “We’re gonna wipe the ice with every opponent we face this season, whether we win or not”. That’s something for the HN bandwagon to chew on – 14th in the West – P….P…P….Please!

Gameface

Adrian – correction: Joe says ‘I think we’re going to be a real good team’. In Joe Sakic lingo that translates to: “We’re gonna wipe the ice with every opponent we face this season, whether we win or not”. That’s something for the HN bandwagon to chew on – 14th in the West – P….P…P….Please!

jeev

What’s all this praise about Chris Stewart, he will go down as a draft bust, and probably will be included as a throw in on a insignificant trade at the deadline. David Jones, Cody McCleod, and TJ Hensick are the future of this team.

jeev

What’s all this praise about Chris Stewart, he will go down as a draft bust, and probably will be included as a throw in on a insignificant trade at the deadline. David Jones, Cody McCleod, and TJ Hensick are the future of this team.

Evelyn

Yikes. thanks for the update. Please update again if more information is available. I was at the camp and there were a lot of long faces when we saw Stastny skate off. He looked very good at the camp until that collision at the end.

Evelyn

Yikes. thanks for the update. Please update again if more information is available. I was at the camp and there were a lot of long faces when we saw Stastny skate off. He looked very good at the camp until that collision at the end.

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Terry Frei graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in the Denver area and has degrees in history and journalism from the University of Colorado-Boulder. He worked for the Rocky Mountain News while attending CU and joined the Post staff after graduation. He has also worked at the Oregonian in Portland, Ore., and The Sporting News. His seventh book, March 1939: Before the Madness, was issued in February 2014.

Chambers covers college and professional hockey for The Denver Post. He has written for the Post since 1994, after dumping his first 9-to-5 office job a couple years out of college. He primarily follows the University of Denver hockey team and helps cover the Avalanche.